Alabama vs. Chattanooga: The Tuscaloosa News staff predictions

Friday

Nov 22, 2013 at 10:00 AMNov 22, 2013 at 10:57 AM

See what the Tuscaloosa News sports staff has to say about the Alabama vs. Chattanooga matchup

Staff report | The Tuscaloosa News

ANDREW BONE
Alabama 58, Chattanooga 3
Alabama will get a tune-up game on Saturday before traveling to Auburn next week for the winner to land in the SEC Championship. The starters won’t see much action in the second half this week. This game will end rather quickly. The players and coaching staff can start looking ahead to the Tigers by halftime.
ANDREW CARROLL
Alabama 44, Chattanooga 7
Alabama’s senior class, including quarterback AJ McCarron, will play its final game in Bryant-Denny Stadium. What matters most is Alabama’s style of play and whether it can live up to its own standards after an error-filled win at Mississippi State. The seniors should go out in style, and the reserves should see plenty of action.
CECIL HURT
Alabama 40, Chattanooga 3
There is no sense in belaboring the FBS vs. FCS point. This is a mismatch. Alabama should start all seniors as a tribute and then hustle them off in quick fashion.
DAMIEN MARTIN
Alabama 45, Chattanooga 3
I know nonconference schedules aren’t the easiest things in the world to put together, but if Alabama is serious about a Southeastern Conference rule preventing games against FCS opponents — and wants the student section full for four quarters — it can set an example by not scheduling any more FCS teams.
MICHAEL SOUTHERN
Alabama 45, Chattanooga 6
After a sloppy outing against Mississippi State, the Alabama offense needs to refocus and take care of business on Senior Day against the Moccasins. Despite the offensive hangover last week, the Crimson Tide had another solid defensive performance.
D.C. REEVES
Alabama 51, Chattanooga 3
There won’t be many starters seeing extended time today, but that won’t matter. Perhaps the opportunity to see an offense that resembles Auburn’s attack will pay dividends come Nov. 30.
EDWIN STANTON
Alabama 56, Chattanooga 0
Is it Iron Bowl week yet? Because I’d rather talk about that than today’s matchup. After a poor effort last week in Starkville, Alabama comes out ready to play and sends the seniors off with in style.
HAROLD STOUT
Alabama 48, Chattanooga 7
The Mocs are a competitive team in the FCS, but they are stepping into the wrong arena to expect a win today. The hope is Alabama learned something last week and is going all-out from the first snap on. Normally, you’d expect a lot of substitutions, but players may stay in a little longer as coaches look for improvement.
AARON SUTTLES
Alabama 49, Chattanooga 0
Not much to say about this one. Starters will get in and get out, leaving plenty of time for back-ups to get reps in the second half. If you’re into intrigue this isn’t the game for you.
LYONS YELLIN
Alabama 52, Chattanooga 3
I’d say come Saturday, about the only people in the state of Alabama who won’t be thinking about the Iron Bowl will be the players and coaches in Bryant-Denny Stadium. This game is more about honoring a truly fantastic senior class and resting up for next week’s big showdown.
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Reach The Tuscaloosa News sports staff at sports@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0189.